FOC-based motor control solution

3 April 2013 Power Electronics / Power Management

Texas Instruments has announced its InstaSPIN-FOC (field-oriented control) motor control solution – a sensorless software-based solution built on its FAST (flux, angle, speed and torque) algorithm.

Embedded in ROM on 32-bit C2000 Piccolo microcontrollers, the new package is intended to slash the time required to spin up motors using FOC techniques – enabling engineers to identify, tune and fully control any type of three-phase, synchronous or asynchronous motor within minutes.

Until now, engineers have had to rely on encoder/resolver sensors or complex software algorithms as observers to generate the precise data about rotor position required to produce maximum torque with FOC methods. Sensor-based solutions have suffered from cost and reliability concerns, while software observers require extensive characterisation of motor properties and are typically challenged by operating modes outside of their primary range of operation.

Even with precise rotor positioning data, however, engineers have still faced difficulties in designing motor control algorithms able to ensure maximum torque through a full range of operating conditions.

Working out of the Piccolo MCU’s on-chip ROM, InstaSPIN-FOC uses TI’s proprietary FAST algorithm to automatically characterise a motor during an initial 90-second identification phase, enabling engineers to start development of any specialised features on a stable, working platform.

The algorithm remains stable through startup, zero speed and stall recovery. Along with the basic information about angle and speed, this algorithmic solution is unique in providing a torque signal that can eliminate the need for separate mechanical torque sensors, further reducing cost and complexity of motor applications.

TI offers InstaSpin-FOC as a ROM-based library in its 90 MHz 32-bit Piccolo F2806xF MCUs which, along with on-chip ROM, include 256 KB Flash, 96 KB RAM, multiple timers, peripherals, 16-channel 12-bit 3 MSps ADC and serial interfaces.

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